The History and Features of the Greco GO Series
A Comprehensive Guide to This Legendary Japanese Vintage Instrument

 

One day, a red car pulled up in front of the store!!
When I took a closer look, I realized it was the president’s car.
“Great job today!!” I called out as I ran over, and when he opened the trunk, I was stunned!!
That’s right—the president had brought in a massive haul of Japanese vintage instruments!!
It’s extremely rare to receive such a large shipment… the trunk was packed to the brim with vintage instruments I’d never seen before.
We’re bringing in a massive shipment of guitars, one after another!!
A few days later,
I received a sudden order from the boss…
Boss: “Nakayama!! Write a column on the Greco GO series!!”
Nakayama: “Huh…!! Ah, yes… y-yes, I’ll do it.”
Oh no… I’ve agreed to it…
There’s no turning back now… I have no choice but to do it!!
I was all fired up, but I knew absolutely nothing about Japanese vintage guitars…
I’ve got to figure this out… I rummaged through old catalogs and rare documents… Time to study, time to study!!
And so,
my journey into Greco research began!!
This time, my target is the GO Series, which enjoys immense popularity and trust among fans of Japanese-made guitars!!
I’ll be sharing the story behind its creation and the wonderful charm of the GO Series!!

 

What is the Greco GO Series?

 

Greco is Kanda Shokai’s in-house brand, established in 1960…
In 1963, they began selling electric guitars in earnest, initially outsourcing production to Fujigen on an OEM basis.
In the 1970s… a “copycat model war” broke out among guitar manufacturers in the domestic market!!
Amid this fierce competition, Greco also produced numerous legendary copy models!!
Following the immense success of the Les Paul-style EG series, Greco released a succession of Gibson-style copy models!!

Starting in the late 1970s, Greco began focusing its efforts on producing its own original brand. The first generation of the Greco GO Series—which has Japanese vintage fans raving—was born in 1977!!
It subsequently evolved into the GO II and then the GO III, becoming a historic masterpiece that is still talked about today.

Takami Asano, the guitarist for Godiego—who took the world by storm with numerous hit songs such as “Monkey Magic,” “Galaxy Express 999,” and “Gandhara”—was involved in the development of the GO III and is famous for having used it himself!!
At the time, it became the object of admiration for young guitarists everywhere.

We’ll introduce the GO→GO II→GO III models that have arrived at TCGAKKI, broken down by model.

Greco GO1400DS w/T.S. Vibrato Early Model, manufactured in 1978

The top-of-the-line model in the GO series!!
Although it’s an early model, it features a T.S. vibrato, which was retrofitted
at the Kanda Shokai repair shop.
Carefully selected woods and a luxurious appearance exude a sense of prestige!!
It comes standard with a variety of features, including 1 volume, 1 tone, and a 3-band EQ, allowing for a wide range of sound shaping
!!

[SPECS]
BODY: Sen + Maple + Sen Arched-top
NECK: Maple + Walnut 7-piece Speedway-neck
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
PICKUPS: Original PU-3D x2
BRIDGE: T.S. Vibrato *Modified

Gold control cavity plate.

The luxurious gold adjustment cover features the words “
” and “Speed Way”!!

The position markers are brass rings, and the
features carefully selected Japanese ebony (striped ebony)!!

The controls feature a 3-band
active equalizer.

Amid the complex wiring, it features an active circuit board
, allowing for a wide variety of sound variations
.

It is equipped with the original PU-3D pickup.
This model features an ivory pickup cover, characteristic of the early production run. Although the T.S. vibrato is standard on later models, this one has been modified. Newly developed for the GO series, it features 12 pole pieces and allows for fine-tuning with a hex wrench!!

Greco GO II 950NT, manufactured in 1979

The top-of-the-line model released at the end of the GO II series!!
The body is crafted from a select combination of walnut and mahogany!!
Equipped with two switches—Mode and Phase—it allows for a diverse range of 16 different sounds!!
It comes standard with T.S. Vibrato, and this model features three single-coil pickups.

The GOⅡ550 and GOⅡ750 feature two humbucker pickups.

[SPECS]
BODY: Walnut + Mahogany + Walnut
NECK: Maple + Walnut 7-piece Speedway neck
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
PICKUPS: Original PU-250 x3
BRIDGE: T.S. Vibrato

Speedway neck with a matte finish.
As a high-end model, it features the finest woods.

The GO II has been redesigned with a 6-string Strat-style headstock that gives it a slim appearance.

The fingerboard is made of high-quality black ebony.

The front and rear pickups share the same volume control, while the center pickup has an independent volume control. Tone control.
Equipped with a mode switch (2 singles / half-tone / series) and phase for the center pickup.

It features a simpler passive circuit compared to the original GO.

The GO II is equipped with three single-coil pickups.
The #GOⅡ550 and GOⅡ750 feature two humbucker pickups.

Greco GOⅢ1500N, manufactured in 1979

T.S. vibrato is standard equipment, and the pickup configuration is HSH.
The GOⅢ was further developed with the involvement of Godiego guitarist Takumi Asano.
It is affectionately known as the “Asano Model.”

[SPECS]
BODY: Maple arched-top
NECK: Maple + Walnut 7-piece Speedway neck
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
PICKUPS: Original PU-3D x2, PU-250 x1
CONTROLS: MV-3V-3T-6WaySW
BRIDGE: T.S. Vibrato

Features select maple with visible grain, in an archtop design.

Compared to the first-generation GO, the headstock has become slightly more angular and simpler in design.

The ebony fingerboard features beautiful, ornate arabesque inlays.

Although not found on the original, a boost switch has been added. Each pickup has separate Volume and Tone controls, and the guitar is equipped with a 6-way rotary switch offering a wide variety of sounds.

The cavity houses a battery
for the retrofitted boost circuit.

The front and rear pickups are the “PU-3D” model, shared with later-model GO guitars.
The center pickup is the “PU-250” with fixed pole pieces.

Greco GO II 1000DS, manufactured in 1979

Greco’s first 12-string model—a truly rare gem!!
The basic specs are the same as the 750, with a solid cedar body.
The additional strings add depth to the sound, creating a rich, full-bodied tone that’s truly captivating!!

[SPECS]
BODY: Solid Sen
NECK: Maple + Mahogany Speedway-neck
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
PICKUPS: Original PU-250 x3

Black aluminum backplate.
The lack of a tremolo cover gives it a clean, uncluttered look.

The 12-string model features a volute to maintain neck strength.

The fingerboard is made of select rosewood with simple dot inlays.

A toggle switch selects between the front and rear pickups; by combining these with the center pickup, you can achieve variations not found on a Stratocaster, such as “front + rear” or “front + center + rear.”

Since the specs are nearly identical to the ’50 model, the interior of the cavity is quite simple.

No sustain plate is mounted. The bridge saddles are grooved in two places. It is equipped with three “PU-250” pickups.

[TCGAKKI Original] “T.S. Vibrato” Reissue Tremolo Arm for Greco GO·Brawler

GOAT Original


Replacement Tremolo Arm for Greco GO・Brawler T.S. Vibrato

We have crafted an arm bar for Greco’s original floating tremolo unit, the “T.S. Vibrato.” Artisan craftsmanship brings to life its beautiful shape—with its distinctive curve—and exquisite texture.
Since this is a model from nearly 40 years ago, many of you may have given up on finding one. That’s why TCGAKKI, which deeply loves and respects Japanese vintage instruments, has recreated this ultra-niche part to coincide with this column. Available in nickel and gold.

Price:
Nickel: 5,000 yen (excluding tax)
Gold: 6,000 yen (excluding tax)

 

What did you think?
This time, we featured the GRECO GO Series!!

Currently, the reputation of Japanese vintage guitars is rapidly rising overseas, and their market value is soaring.

Maybe you’ll find that guitar you’ve always dreamed of owning—“I’ll get my hands on it someday”—right here at TCGAKKI!?
We also have a large selection of vintage Japanese-made guitars from other brands in stock, so please stop by the store to hunt for some hidden gems.
Of course, we also welcome inquiries by phone!!
Our entire staff looks forward to seeing you.

 

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